MultiChoice Nigeria’s CEO John Ugbe and several company directors are set to be arraigned by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for allegedly blocking an ongoing investigation into their subscription price increases. In February 2025, Daily Tech Nigeria reported that the FCCPC ordered MultiChoice to maintain its current prices for DStv and GOtv while the commission reviewed the company’s proposed price hike. Despite this directive, MultiChoice went ahead with the increase on March 1, 2025, before appearing at the FCCPC’s investigative hearing scheduled for March 6. This action triggered legal proceedings against the company and its leadership. The FCCPC filed charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos on three counts under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018. These include willfully obstructing the commission’s inquiry, ignoring instructions to suspend the price hike, and attempting to mislead the commission by proceeding without objection. The commission views these acts as deliberate attempts to undermine regulatory authority and harm consumer rights. The legal battle intensified when MultiChoice filed a suit to stop the FCCPC’s investigation, but the Abuja Federal High Court dismissed the case in May 2025, calling it an abuse of court process. This ruling cleared the way for the FCCPC to continue its probe and now to arraign the company’s CEO and directors for non-compliance. The charge sheet names John Ugbe, Gozie Onumonu, Adewunmi Ogunsanya, and five other directors as defendants. They are accused of failing to produce documents required by a lawful summons issued on February 25, 2025, violating Section 3 of the FCCPC Act. The arraignment is scheduled for October 7, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. A statement from the FCCPC’s legal team said, “The defendants failed without sufficient cause to comply with lawful summons, obstructing the commission’s investigation.”
Google Messages app to push everyone towards RCS messaging soon
Google has announced that its Messages app will soon encourage all users to switch to RCS messaging for better chat features. Rich Communication Services, or RCS, is the next step up from regular SMS texts. It lets people send higher-quality photos, see when others are typing, get read receipts, and chat over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Google’s Messages app is the default texting app on many Android phones. The company plans to make RCS the standard messaging method for all users, replacing old SMS technology. This change will help users enjoy faster, richer conversations without needing extra apps. It also makes group chats easier to manage and more interactive. A Google spokesperson said, “RCS messaging is the future of texting. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy better, more reliable conversations.” Google has been working with phone makers and carriers worldwide to roll out RCS smoothly. The switch is expected to happen gradually over the next few months. As RCS becomes the new normal, Nigerian users can look forward to clearer, more connected chats. This update could change how millions of people communicate every day on their phones.
Windows 11 System Restore Points now automatically delete after 60 days, Microsoft confirms
Microsoft has announced that system restore points on Windows 11 will now automatically expire after 60 days. System restore points help users fix problems by rolling back their PC to an earlier state. But Microsoft says keeping these restore points forever can take up a lot of storage space. To manage this, Windows 11 will now delete restore points after 60 days. This change helps free up disk space and keeps the system running smoothly. Users can still create manual restore points whenever they want, but those will also follow the 60-day expiration rule. This update is part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to improve Windows 11 performance and storage management. The company advises users to back up important files regularly, as restore points are not a full backup solution. The new 60-day limit means Windows 11 users should be more proactive about backups and system maintenance. It’s a small change that Microsoft hope could help keep PCs faster and less cluttered.
UK watchdog plans major changes to Google Search to boost local competition
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed new rules to curb Google’s dominance in online search and give users more choice. The CMA wants to give Google “strategic market status” under Britain’s new Digital Markets Competition Regime. This would allow the regulator to impose rules on how Google runs its search engine in the UK. Google currently handles over 90% of all online searches in the country and is used by more than 200,000 UK businesses for advertising. The proposed changes include making Google’s search rankings fairer and more transparent. The CMA also plans to require Google to offer “choice screens” that let users easily pick and switch between different search services, including AI assistants. This aims to open up the market to more competition and innovation. Publishers will get more control over how their content appears in search results, especially with AI-generated answers. Google may also have to make its data more portable to help new companies build innovative products. The CMA began investigating Google’s market power in January 2025. CEO Sarah Cardell said the changes would give UK users and businesses more control and unlock new opportunities for growth in the tech sector. Google warned that the proposed rules could hurt UK growth and innovation. Oliver Bethell, Google’s competition director, said the CMA’s plans are broad and could create challenges before all evidence is reviewed. Google promised to work constructively with the regulator but cautioned against “punitive regulations.” A final decision on the new rules is expected by October after public consultation. “Google has delivered tremendous benefits, but there are ways to make these markets more open, competitive and innovative,” says Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive. On the other hand, Oliver Bethell, Google competition director says, “proportionate, evidence-based regulation will be essential to preventing the CMA’s roadmap from becoming a roadblock to growth in the UK.” If approved, these changes could reshape how millions of people in the UK search online.
Chowdeck buys Mira to boost tech support for food and hospitality businesses
Chowdeck, a leading African delivery platform, has acquired Mira, a fast-growing point-of-sale startup for food and hospitality businesses. The acquisition lets Chowdeck expand beyond just delivery services. Mira’s platform helps over 500 businesses manage sales, inventory, kitchen operations, and customer engagement through one easy system. This means Chowdeck can now offer more than just quick deliveries – they can support restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies with tools to run their operations better. Mira was founded in 2023 by former Flutterwave and Paystack executives. Its software helps businesses tackle common challenges like inventory management and supply chain issues, which are big problems in Africa’s hospitality sector. The deal also brings Mira’s investors, including Microtraction, into Chowdeck’s ownership. Chowdeck CEO Femi Aluko said the move fits the company’s goal to become a full technology partner for food businesses across Africa. Mira’s CEO, Ted Oladele, will join Chowdeck as Head of Product to help build new solutions tailored for these businesses. Chowdeck started in 2021 and operates in Nigeria and Ghana. It has over 1.5 million users and more than 20,000 riders. The company aims to improve vendor support and add new revenue streams like POS services and financing, not just delivery fees. “We are thrilled to welcome Mira to the Chowdeck family. I’ve admired their work for a long time, and I’m excited about what we can build together,” said Femi Aluko. This acquisition marks a big step for Chowdeck as it moves from just delivering food to powering the technology behind Africa’s food and hospitality businesses.
Nigeria secures Heathrow landing slot for Air Peace after prolonged diplomatic efforts
The Federal Government has successfully secured a coveted landing slot at London Heathrow Airport for Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading indigenous airline. This development follows months of intense diplomatic negotiations under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The announcement was made public on June 21, 2025, by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who described the milestone as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring fair and reciprocal treatment for its carriers on international routes. Air Peace had initially launched its Lagos–London service via Gatwick Airport in March 2024, offering significantly lower fares than competitors and expanding connectivity from seven additional Nigerian cities. However, the airline had long sought access to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest international hubs, to enhance its visibility and convenience for passengers. The UK’s slot allocator, Airports Coordination Limited (ACL), had previously denied Heathrow slots to Air Peace, citing late applications and capacity constraints. The Nigerian government’s sustained diplomatic engagement, including warnings to restrict UK carriers’ access to Nigerian airports, was pivotal in reversing this decision. Starting October 2025, Air Peace will operate flights from Abuja to Heathrow, marking a significant expansion of its international footprint and reinforcing its role as Nigeria’s flag carrier on the global stage. This breakthrough not only benefits Nigerian travellers with improved access and competitive fares but also signals Nigeria’s growing influence in international aviation diplomacy.